Supreme Court Drama

On July 9, 2018, President Donald Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill a vacant seat on the United States Supreme Court. Nearly three months to the date of his nomination, the United States senate confirmed Kavanaugh’s nomination by the slimmest of margins, 50-48.

After several weeks of questions concerning his legal philosophy and a meticulous review of his judicial record, the senate appeared to be ready to vote on the nomination of Kavanaugh.

That is, until Christine Blasey Ford stepped forward with accusations that made the allegations against Clarence Thomas in 1991 seem pale by comparison.

We had no idea when we wrote a short blog article on Supreme Court Fast Facts on July 16, 2018 that the road ahead would be so bumpy for Justice Kavanaugh. It has been a heck of a ride for him and those who followed. Below is a recap of his nomination, the hearings to follow, the accusations, the aftermath and what the future holds.

THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KAVANAUGH

The senate swore in Christine Blasey Ford on Thursday September 27. In testimony that left the jam packed room eerily silent for most of the morning, Ford told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she was “100 percent” sure Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her when they both attended the same high school. The tone of her testimony varied between calm measure and unbridled emotion. Her voice noticeably cracked when she went into details of the assault, which Ford claimed occurred at a suburban Washington D.C. home. Ford stated under oath that Kavanaugh pushed her into a bedroom and attempted to remove her clothing. Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked Ford to describe the strongest lingering memory of the incident. “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter,” Ford replied. “The uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense.”

THE AFTERMATH

Kavanaugh provided his sworn testimony immediately following the bombshell testimony shared by Christine Blasey Ford. Under obvious duress, Kavanaugh lashed out at the Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He emphatically stated the hearings were a disgrace to the country and at times, his voice rose in inflection to make his points. At the end of his sworn testimony, Kavanaugh was asked by a committee member if Ford’s allegations were true.

“They’re not accurate as to me,” Kavanaugh said. “I have not questioned that she might have been sexually assaulted at some point in her life by someone, someplace. But as to me, I’ve never done this. Never.”

Shortly after Ford’s testimony, two more women came forward to charge Kavanaugh with sexual misconduct. The additional allegations prompted Democratic leaders in the Senate to request the FBI to perform a formal investigation into the charges. A few days later, the FBI submitted a report that each senator had 30 minutes to read. At the heart of the report was the conclusion that there was not enough evidence to support Ford’s allegations of sexual assault. Many Democratic senators erupted with contempt for the FBI and the perceived flawed investigation. New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker said during a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday October 4 that impeaching Kavanaugh “is not off the table.” Only one time in American history has the senate impeached a Supreme Court judge.

BITTER ACRIMONY & THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

The rancor caused by Kavanaugh confirmation hearings triggered uncharacteristically vehement reactions from typically diplomatic senators. Booker’s assertion that impeachment “is not off the table.” was made during a fiery speech in which the usually calm senator claimed the hearings were fraudulent and the FBI is concealing evidence. As a Republican who has frequently crossed the aisle to work with Democratic senators, Lindsey Graham told reporters right after the testimonies of Ford and Kavanaugh that the hearings have turned into a “sham.” The bitter acrimony is reminiscent of the mood of the senate right after the Thomas confirmation hearings in 1991. Many political pundits believe the Republican victories during the 1994 midterm elections stemmed from the backlash caused by the way Democrats handled the Thomas nomination process. It remains to be seen how the 2018 midterm election will turn out, with the Kavanaugh hearings looming at polling booths throughout the country.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM JUSTICE KAVANAUGH

On Saturday, September 29, the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to fill the vacant seat on the United States Supreme Court. Lost amid the media frenzy over sexual misconduct charges is how Justice Kavanaugh will rule on the hot button legal issues.

ROE V. WADE

During the initial series of testimony sessions before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kavanaugh emphasized he perceives Roe v. Wade as “an important precedent of the Supreme Court” that the United States legal system has “reaffirmed many times.” He said reversing Roe v. Wade would “violate judicial norms.”

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

On several occasions, Kavanaugh reiterated his strong belief in the Founding Fathers commitment to Religious Liberty. “It’s important to recognize that the First Amendment to the Constitution, as well as many statutes, of course, protect religious liberty in the United States … and as I’ve said in some of my opinions, we are all equally American no matter what religion we are or no religion at all — and that means religious speakers and religious people have a right to their place in the public square.”

LEGAL AUTHORITY OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The increasing use of an Executive Order to influence public policy has come under intense scrutiny ever since the presidency of George W. Bush. Although Kavanaugh did not directly refer to Executive Order proclamations, he did discuss his judicial philosophy on the legal protections a President should use when confronted with a subpoena and a formal investigation. In a 2009 Minnesota Law Review piece, Kavanaugh wrote “Congress might consider a law exempting a President-while in office-from criminal prosecution and investigation, including from questioning by criminal prosecutors or defense counsel.” In the same article, however, he noted, “If the President does something dastardly, the impeachment process is available.”

THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

The Second Amendment always plays a prominent role in the nomination hearing for the United States Supreme Court. Senate researchers provided evidence of Kavanaugh’s position on the Second Amendment from a ruling that took place in 2011. Kavanaugh dissented from the majority opinion that upheld the constitutionality of a handgun ban in the District of Columbia. Referring to a previous ruling by the Supreme Court, Kavanaugh wrote “It follows from Heller‘s protection of semiautomatic handguns that semiautomatic rifles are also constitutionally protected and that DC’s ban on them is unconstitutional.”

WHERE FROM HERE?

With Supreme Court seats being lifetime appointments, Kavanaugh’s stay should be a long one. Only time will tell whether Justice Kavanaugh will be able to put all of this aside and rule on the legal issues. One thing is certain, his decisions will always be be heavily scrutinized by many, whether that is justified or not.

Legal Blog – Tryk Law, PC

Tryk Law, PC is a Fresno Personal Injury Law Firm that handles matters for those who have been injured through no fault of their own. This article is written to be informative in nature and not intended to express our political or legal opinions on the subject matter or content of this article. If you need assistance after suffering an injury, call us today for a free consultation at (559) 840-3240.

TRYK LAW, P.C. FRESNO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

If you have been in an accident - call (559) 840-3240 now!

We are a Fresno Law Firm with several years of collective experience representing injured people and fighting large insurance companies or corporations responsible. If you have been injured in an accident and suffer from serious injuries, call us today to get an appointment today (559) 840-3240.

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

QUICK CONTACT FORM

First and Last Name *

Phone Number

Email *

Please tell us what happened? *

Website

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(559) 840-3240

OR TOLL FREE

(844) FRESNO1

We are located in Northeast Fresno and available to discuss your case over the telephone, in person, at your home, in the hospital or any other locale that you prefer. Attorney Tryk is available around the clock to discuss your case with you in full confidence. Call us today or drop in for a consultation without an appointment during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.